Mabon
(Hourglass) Hudson Vineyard Syrah 2023
(Carneros, Napa Valley, California) - [DM 97] [WA 95] [JD 94] [VM 95]

About the Winery:
Hourglass is a family-owned boutique estate in Napa Valley founded by Jeff Smith on property purchased by Jeff’s father in 1976. Their first vintage was 1997 with Bob Foley, a family friend and maker of Pride Mountain, Switchback Ridge, and Paloma, serving as winemaker. Foley was followed by Tony Biagi, of PlumpJack and Cade fame.

Mabon is a passion project for Jeff, his wife Carolyn, and winemaker Tony Biagi, who are ardent admirers of Rhône Valley wines. They have long believed the wines of yesteryear California resembled the make-up of the famous blends of the Rhône. Mabon is the creative outlet for all to explore these varietals, styles, and the heritage vineyards of California. Their stellar reputation in California and trusted relationships with growers throughout the state laid the path for Tony and Adrien Halpin (Assistant Winemaker at Hourglass) to gain access to numerous historic vineyards for the Mabon wines.

About this Wine:
Made from 100% Syrah from the historic Hudson Vineyard in Carneros, the wine is made with native yeast, 30% whole cluster fermented and aged 16 months in 50% new French oak. Tony and grower Lee Hudson have been working together for 12+ years to form an intuitive grower/winemaker symbiosis.

Tasting Notes:
The 2023 Mabon Syrah captivates with its deep, inky hue and bold, full-bodied presence. Aromatically, it unveils a striking interplay of floral violets, iron and struck flint, layered with a savory depth reminiscent of cured meats. On the palate, the wine is richly textured and complex, where the umami notes of prosciutto and briny crushed Castelvetrano olives meld with dark fruit and the  oceanic essence of nori. Blueberry liqueur and Kirsch add a vibrant, lifted  dimension, balancing the wine's savory intensity. The result is a Syrah of remarkable depth, elegance and Northern Rhone-inspired intrigue.

Ratings & Reviews

97 Points - Decanter Magazine: 
“Sourced from Hudson Vineyard’s Home Ranch, this Syrah draws on Alban, Estrella River, and Syrah Noir clones, with 30% whole-bunch fermentation in small open-top bins, followed by 16 months of ageing in Burgundian French oak (50% new). Positively delicious and highly expressive, the nose is immediately enticing with beautifully perfumed violet notes, layered mineral tones, and hints of black truffle and charcuterie. The palate delivers a wonderful umami-like unctuousness, carrying pure black cherry and blueberry fruit, complemented by baking spices, paprika, and pressed violets, all unfolding through a long and seamless finish.” – Jonathan Cristaldi (Jan 2026)

95 Points - Wine Advocate: 
“Mabon's 2023 Syrah comes from a different block of Syrah, this one planted to Estrella and Alban selections. Black cherries are joined by peppery, slightly meaty aromas that offer considerably more complexity than the 2022. The palate is medium- to full-bodied and framed by silky tannins, then eases into a long, gently structured finish. Impressive stuff.” – Joe Czerwinski (Jun 2025)

94 Points - Jeb Dunnuck: 
“All from Hudson Vineyard vines planted in 1989, the 2023 Syrah is another beauty from Adrian Halpin that was fermented with 30% whole cluster and aged 16 months in 50% new French oak. Gamey black and blue fruits, bay leaf, bouquet garni, violets, and peppery nuances all shine from the glass, and it's medium to full-bodied, with a pure, layered mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and a great finish. It's a brilliant, classy, complex, and seductive Syrah to drink over the coming decades. There are roughly 294 cases produced. Drink 2025-2045.” (Dec 2025)

92-95 Points - Vinous Media: 
"The 2023 Syrah Hudson Vineyard is another very promising wine in this range. Bright acids and beams of supporting tannin lend notable freshness and verve to play off a core of inky blue/purplish fruit. The 30% stems are very nicely integrated into the wine's fabric. There's a ton of potential here.” – Antonio Galloni (Nov 2025)